ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery – Shows I've Seen

The Effect – Play – Review – ArtsWest

@showsiveseen Lucy Prebble's "The Effect" #play at ArtsWest. Fantastic futuristic sci-fi vibe from the scenic, lighting, sound, & movement design. Charismatic, disarming male lead portrayal from @Morgan Gwilym Tso. Closes next weekend! #Review: showsiveseen.com/13278 Photos: John McLellan Director: Mathew Wright Stage Mgr: Neen Williams-Teramachi, @Alyda Sorm #theatre #showsiveseen #antidepressant #pharma ♬ Tomorrow – Fly By Midnight

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Lucy Prebble’s The Effect play at ArtsWest. Fantastic futuristic sci-fi vibe from the scenic, lighting, sound, & movement design. Charismatic, disarming male lead portrayal from Morgan Gwilym Tso. Closes next weekend!

Recommendation:
See it.

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Probably not

Mainstream Appeal: Medium

If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Probably

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Two volunteers sign up for a clinical trial testing an experimental antidepressant. As the boundaries between science, emotion, and ethics blur, the relationships among the researchers and subjects grow increasingly complex. Will the trial yield a medical breakthrough or a personal breakdown?

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: In this sci-fi thriller by Lucy Prebble (HBO’s Succession), a clinical drug trial is thrown off-course when two young volunteers succumb to the gravitational pull of attraction – is it love or just a side effect? As sexy as it is funny, this riveting play will have you at the edge of your seat.

Type: Play

World Premiere: Yes

Several or Few Scenes: A couple

Several or Few Settings/Locations: A couple

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Static

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Mostly, yes. But it was more dialogue than action.

Union Actors: 1

Total Actors: 4

Perceived Pace of the Show: Slow to medium speed

Was there an intermission? No

Length (Including Any Intermission): 100 minutes

Other Rave(s)

Vibe: The production exuded a distinctly futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic, with all design elements complementing in strong harmony. Parmida Ziaei’s scenic design evoked the sleek sterility of a modern museum with clean lines, minimalist forms, and a sense of clinical precision. Trevor Cushman’s lighting design beautifully enhanced the stage trim with pulsing neon reminiscent of a hip underground club. Outside of the neon, the lighting was vividly color-saturated and occasionally dramatically shifted. It echoed the lighting design in ArtsWest’s previous production Athena. The sound design (by Sandra Huezo-Menjivar and Conor Fortner) and sound composition (by Greg Fields) reinforced the technological atmosphere with robotic sound effects and synthetic announcements. Even the choreography by Alyza DelPan-Monley aligned seamlessly with the production’s futuristic tone as the test subject characters deliberately moved in an automated way between their scenes.
The Real You: Lucy Prebble’s script thoughtfully explored the philosophical question of true identity when a patient uses psychiatric medications. Connie (played by Anna Mulia) compared taking antidepressants to being drunk saying something like, “If you’re drunk and tell me, ‘I love you, you’re my best friend,’ I wouldn’t believe you.” If a chemical (like an antidepressant) alters your mood or thoughts, is what you say or feel still truly you?
Revelation and Twist: The final scenes unveiled an unexpected revelation, punctuated by an audacious twist that heightened the drama. Utterly reckless in a good way.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Script: The script presented an intriguing premise, but it moved at a pace that often left me restless. Maybe it’s because I work in the pharmacy field and the topic hits close to home. Or maybe it’s because theatre pieces from the UK tend to move at a slower pace compared to their USA counterparts. Additionally, the script could have more effectively illuminated the dynamic between the two scientists as well as their individual background/development.

Theatre Company: ArtsWest

Venue: ArtsWest

Venue Physical Address: 4711 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Price Range: $46

Ticket Affordability Options: Check out the discounts portion of their ticketing policies page.

Dates: 6/19/25 to 7/13/25

Seating: Assigned Seating

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Pictures: See production pictures below by John McLellan.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

Photo by John McLellan for THE EFFECT at ArtsWest (2025).

Preview Post – The Effect – Play – ArtsWest

The Effect play at ArtsWest. On-stage in West Seattle till 7/13/25. Keep posted for my full review! #depression #antidepressant #pharma #pharmaceutical

Tickets: https://www.artswest.org/events/the-effect/

Final Full Review: https://www.showsiveseen.com/the-effect-play-review-artswest/

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Athena – Play – Review – ArtsWest & Salle Auriol Fencing Club

@showsiveseen Gracie Gardner's "#Athena" #play by ArtsWest & Salle Auriol Fencing Club. Starring Allison Renee & @Anteia DeLaney as total opposite characters. Physically demanding roles. Tons of raw youthful #energy. Well-executed fight choreography. Sleek lighting design. No blood was shed, but I shed a single tear. Closes this weekend! #Review: showsiveseen.com/12683 Director: @kathrynvanmeter #EnGarde #fencing #theatre #showsiveseen #friendship #friends ♬ Anymore – Dylan Rockoff

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Gracie Gardner’s Athena play by ArtsWest & Salle Auriol Fencing Club. Starring Allison Renee & Anteia DeLaney as total opposite characters. Physically demanding roles. Tons of raw youthful energy. Well-executed fight choreography. Sleek lighting design. No blood was shed, but I shed a single tear #EnGarde #friendship #friends

Recommendation:
See it if you enjoy either 1) plays heavy with fight choreography like Latitude Theatre’s Monstrous Regiment, 2) two-person shows, 3) or dialogue plays.

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Probably not

Mainstream Appeal: Medium

If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Maybe

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Two teenage fencers, who are complete opposites, start training together for an upcoming competition. As their blades clash, will this lead to rivalry, friendship, or something in between?

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Mary Wallace and Athena are both seventeen-year-old fencers training for Nationals. Mary Wallace lives in a house in New Jersey, loves marine biology and practices at home. Athena lives in an apartment in New York City, takes acne medication and Athena is not her real name. Follow their journey from competitors to confidantes as they form a bond navigating the milestones of adolescence, training together only to learn the future is only certain for one of them. A great show for teens!

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: A couple

Several or Few Settings/Locations: A couple

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Static

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you might appreciate this more if you’re remotely familiar with fencing.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes-ish, but there’s only so much that can occur in a dialogue play.

Union Actors: None, but the director and stage manager are union members.

Total Actors: Two, with a third actor at the end

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? No

Length (Including Any Intermission): 1.5 hours

Other Rave(s)

Physical Demands: Although Athena is a dialogue-driven play, the performance was surprisingly physical. Beyond the obvious fencing sequences (choreographed by Rebecca K Hsia, Sarah Lippai, and Aiden Holmes), the actors remained in near-constant motion – running warm-ups, exercising, and performing drills all while delivering lines, often to the point of breathlessness. At one point, they even balanced fencing gloves on their heads in what I assume is a standard fencer’s drill. The theater itself was unusually cold, likely to offset the heat from actors’ physical exertion.
Lighting and Scenic Design: Parmida Ziaei’s scenic design featured a sleek, minimalist catwalk reminiscent of ArtsWest’s Born with Teeth, using simple clean lines. Anna Shih’s neon lighting design added dynamic energy above the catwalk, cleverly synchronized with sound cues to signal to the audience who was winning or losing. Both the overhead neon lights and the floor-level square lights evoked the atmosphere of a modern hip dance club. My only complaint was that associating one character with red and another with green could subtly influence audience perception of good vs bad … unless that was the intended effect!
Energy: Both actors captured the unbridled unfiltered energy of adolescence that’s overzealous, angsty, awkward, and bubbling on the edge of eruption. At times, their shouting felt excessive and overenthusiastic, but it reflected the chaotic charm of teenagers. How do the actors’ voices survive these roles?
Favorite Lines: Teenagers say the darnedest things like “That’s [classical guitar] not really music. Nobody really enjoys it right?” or “I want to pay rent for living in your stomach for 9 months” or “it’s not my fault you didn’t wear a condom when you had me.”

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

Last-minute Introduction: I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. It’s weird to introduce an actor in the last scene. But I guess it probably makes for a reliable understudy.
Moral of the Story: What message was the playwright Gracie Gardner trying to convey? “Keep your friends close and your competition closer?” or “Can you remain friends in competition?” or “Opposites attract then attack?”

Theatre Company: ArtsWest & Salle Auriol Fencing Club

Venue: ArtsWest

Venue Physical Address: 4711 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Price Range: $46

Ticket Affordability Options: Check out the discounts portion of their ticketing policies page.

Dates: 4/10/25 to 5/4/25

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: There are paid lots and free street parking. I usually park on 44th or 45th Ave behind the theatre.

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https://www.artswest.org/events/athena/

Pictures: See production pictures below by John McLellan and Corinne Park-Buffelen.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

Preview Post – Athena – Play – ArtsWest & Salle Auriol Fencing Club

Happy opening night to ArtsWest & Salle Auriol Fencing Club’s Athena play production. Performing bouts till 5/4/25. Look out for my full review! #friendship #competition

Tickets: https://www.artswest.org/events/athena/

Final Full Review: https://www.showsiveseen.com/athena-play-review-artswest-salle-auriol-fencing-club/

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Covenant – Play – Review – ArtsWest

@showsiveseen @issayorkchop's "Covenant" #chilling #thriller #play at #ArtsWest. Felicia Loud's portrayals are always a joy to witness. Good storytelling w/ a totally unexpected twist at the end that left me replaying the previous scenes in my head. Would be fascinating to rewatch knowing the ending. In the spirit of #ValentinesDay weekend, how far would you go for love? Review: showsiveseen.com/11635 Photos: John McLellan Director: @Nicholas Bernard Stage Mgr: Kimberly Le #showsiveseen #theatre ♬ Abracadabra – Lady Gaga

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): York Walker’s Covenant chilling thriller play at ArtsWest. Felicia Loud’s portrayals are always a joy to witness. Good storytelling w/ a totally unexpected twist at the end that left me replaying the previous scenes in my head. Would be fascinating to rewatch knowing the ending. In the spirit of Valentines Day weekend, how far would you go for love?

Recommendation:
See it if you’re comfortable with stories about Faustian bargains and demon possession.

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Maybe

Mainstream Appeal: Medium

If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Probably

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): A charismatic, prodigal musician returns to his rural hometown, only to be followed by a serious of mysterious events.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: When a struggling guitarist returns to his small Georgia town a blues star, rumors begin swirling that he may have made a deal with the devil to attain his musical genius. Before long, however, it becomes clear he’s not the only one with a secret. A mythic and suspenseful new play that delivers one devilish twist after another, York Walker’s COVENANT explores the power of belief and the thin line between rumor and truth.

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Mostly static

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes, but it was more dialogue than action

Union Actors: 1

Total Actors: 5

Perceived Pace of the Show: Slow in the beginning but eventually picked up to medium speed

Was there an intermission? No

Length (Including Any Intermission): 100 minutes

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

Twist (No Spoilers): The twist at the end was completely unexpected (maybe even left field) and had me second guessing how I initially perceived the entire story. So many elements presented early in the play clicked after the revelation. I loved how the twist tied back to the strong opening line hook, “Everybody’s got a secret.” It would be fascinating to rewatch and reevaluate the characters’ motivations knowing the ending.
Vibes: This production masterfully evoked a sense of unease, delivering a chilling thriller with an eerie energy that would have been perfect for a Halloween season.
Religious Superstitious Themes: Part of the unease stemmed from my conservative Christian upbringing, where the religious superstitious themes would have been considered blasphemous sacrilege entertaining the occult and devil. The play’s juxtaposition of a guitar concert against the sacrament scene underscored the tension between these opposing forces. Elements such as Faustian bargains (aka “deal with the devil”), demonic possession, an upside-down cross, and quoting Bible verses all contributed to this unsettling atmosphere. The imagery reminded me of how Lady Gaga beautifully and sacrilegiously incorporates mystical gothic Catholic themes in her music and videos. A good example would be the hooded, mysterious monk-like stagehands, which were a nice touch.
Storytelling: Each character took center stage and shared a story that illuminated their motivations while holding a lantern as eerie sound effects played in the background. These well-written and well-executed monologues effectively deepened each character.
Music: Although this was a play, occasional music added an extra layer to the performance. Kalia Towers (as Ruthie) and Deja Culver (as Violet) both sang a cappella. Donovan Mahannah (as Johnny) played guitar and sang once or twice.
Felicia Loud: I always enjoy Felicia Loud’s portrayal of god-fearing church lady personas. This typecasting has served her brilliantly in productions like The Amen Corner and Black Nativity. However, she takes on a darker role in this play, channeling a more menacing pious maternal figure like the mother in the cult classic film Carrie.